Chicago Q
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1160 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60610 b/t Division St & Elm St
Near North Side - Get Directions
- Phone number (312) 642-1160
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Business website chicagoqrestaurant.com
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“Everything from the sweet tea to the slaw to the hush puppies (ask for the honey butter!)” in 200 reviews
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“All the meats are soooo damn good, but ultimately the smoked pulled chicken is just out of this world good.” in 137 reviews
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“I would have to say the Kobe brisket is my favorite and cooked to perfection tender and moist.” in 88 reviews
Recommended Reviews
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- Jamie H.
- Novato, CA
- 0 friends
- 13 reviews
8/3/2015
Everything was great from the server, Wes, to the complimentary chips and pickles, St. Louis ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, salads, and the drinks. Wish we had room for dessert saw the carrot cake and the table next to us it was huge.
Some of the best bbq I've ever had if not the very best.
Yum! -
- Jesse W.
- Covina, CA
- 3 friends
- 8 reviews
8/4/2015
1 check-inArrived to a charming building with great decor. Was seated quickly. Staff was excellent. Served BBQ chips and sweet pickles, both very good. My wait person suggested this burger made of beef and pulled pork, topped with pork belly bacon and brisket on a brioche bun. Sounded good and ordered it with a side of Mac and cheese . Burger was a tad dry but tasty, and it was immediately enhanced with a side of spicy BBQ sauce. The Mac and cheese was a little dry, but it came out hot on a skillet. Ordered an Arnold Palmer to drink but didn't realize I was being charged for each refill. Staff may want to divulge this detail before someone has 4 refills (I'm a big drinker, no judgments). Lol. The wait person did apologize for not disclosing.
All in all, a decent experience. I wouldn't order the burger again and would likely try the pulled pork and ribs if I come back. -
- Genevieve L.
- Chicago, IL
- 34 friends
- 90 reviews
- Elite ’15
8/1/2015
Chicago Q has one of the largest lunch portions I've ever had! They start you off with pickles and chips (and if you love salt, you'll love the chips!).
I ordered the lunch brisket which came with a few slices of brisket, a side of mashed potatoes and a side salad. For someone watching their weight, their salad was a decent serving and the house balsamic tasted pretty light. BUT I'd still suggest ordering it on the side. The brisket was juicy but I'm still a huge fan of Smoque so I was a bit let down on this one. It wasn't bad by any means, but if you want the best brisket, I'd suggest taking the trek up north. The mashed potatoes were a generous serving so there was enough to take home and eat the next day.
It's worth a try if you like barbecue. -
- Jialing L.
- Chicago, IL
- 25 friends
- 132 reviews
- Elite ’15
8/13/2015
1 check-inArrived for a dinner reservation on a Wednesday night and got seated immediately even though my friend was running a bit late. As soon as I got seated, the waiters brought the water and the complimentary chips and pickles. The chips are amazing; my friend and I couldn't stop eating them. We ordered the alligator sausage as an appetizer and it was delicious-very juicy and the mashed potatoes and vegetables added a lot of different flavors and textures. My friend and I both ordered the St. Louis ribs. Personally I thought it was a little dry which was a bummer. The sauces also didn't match my taste for some reason. The service was amazing and I really wanted to try some dessert but just didn't have any room left.
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- Michelangelo V.
- Chicago, IL
- 297 friends
- 117 reviews
- Elite ’15
6/4/2015
1 check-inHonest review: saw it on check please. i was really skeptical but it was great. I always thought hog wild was the best but this beats it.
Free barbecue chips: from my experience of chips there either really old and stale to thin and burned or really bland and greasy. But these were heavenly really crunchy really fresh perfect seasoning not to much of a barbecuey taste( i mean like sometimes the barbecue flavor could be really over whelming) and not greasy! Best chips i ever had sorry lays make sure u eat with the pickles for the perfect bite.
Free pickles: i usually dont like pickles because their never fresh or have way to much pickling spice on it so its to sour or to overpowered these were perfect. A lil bit of vinegar and some good sweetness really was delicious i was so surprised. Its not like really sweet like dessert just the right amount
Blackened alligator: dont be scared of tasting new things if u like chicken then youll love this but with more of a chicken flavor. It comes with a pancake on the bottom didnt see a point to it lol would have preffered something else maybe grittz. The sauce is really good its a roasted garlic aioli and its not mayonnaise from a jar like a lot of people do this was homemade it was delicous really enhanced the taste of the alligator. It comes with lemon which cuts down the richness of the dish. The alligator itself had a really good flavor to it not to over powered by the blacking spice and not to dry it was really tender a really great dish live a little and try something different
Hush puppies: these were really good supper crispy not burned or greasy seasoned perfectly. The inside was a little dry though. It had bacon wish it had a little more though. Didnt notice any cheddar in it?The sauce was to die for it was so good best aioli i ever had so rich u will not want to stop eating these their that good.
Corn dog pork belly: i love pork belly so this was a no brainer it was so good if u loved fried food this is for u. Its so crispy not like how street vendor corndogs are i mean like really crispy. The pork belly was cooked nicely the fat was cooked off so it wasnt like all gelatinous( like for example when chicken skin is flabby thats what i mean) really seasoned good. The mustard sauce was so good it really enhances the flavor of the pork. The coleslaw on the side is very vinegary so it cuts through the richness of the dish and makes it taste better the only problem is if u eat the coleslaw by it self it has an off putting pickling spice i couldnt figure out what it was but there was a certain spice that made it a lil funky
Bbq flight: kobe brisket i made a vow after my last trip to county barbecue never to eat brisket again because its always bland and dry this was not the case!:) it was a lil dry not like omg i need a laser to cut it but like a lil bit. It was really flavorful really a high quality meet it was really good i wish they added the house seasoning on top of it for extra flavor and an added crunch but it was really good. There was no fat or sinu anywhere thank god!!! Really good flavor to it maybe just smoke it for longer for more of a smokey flavor
Pulled pork. I love pulled pork but i dont judge good barbecue based on that because it is really hard to fuck up but there have been times where people fucked up. It was really good. The pork was actually pulled not just shredded witch does make a difference in texture. There were parts that were really smokey( means looks black or burned thats just smoke) it had a really good flavor not to dry and no fat or sinu thats the worst in pulled pork when it has a bunch of fat or sinu that makes it so gross again wish they added the house seasoning on top of it for crunch and flavor
The chicken: i didnt really eat a lot of it cause i ordered alot and wanted to taste everything it wasnt dry it had a good smokey flavor to it alot of times chicken is really dry and bland this was not
Barbecue sauces: mustard i love mustard i think good barbecue needs mustard homemade though not some crap from the store. Wow was it good a lil sweet and tangy but really was one of the best mustards i ever had.
spicy barbecue sauce: i think its just the normal barbecue sauce with chili flakes. I liked the original plain one its sweet witch is really good not to sweet just i like spicy food. This sauce really does enhance the flavor of the meat i put it on everything even took it home in a to go container.Vinegar sauce: this wasnt really vinegary like i wanted it just a lil bit and a lil bit sweet for me this tasted the best on the ribs
Completion st luis ribs: omg the ribs are so good. There tender but not fall off the bone tender theres a good meaty chew which is the correct way to cook ribs. It had a saice on top so its either been glazed while it was smoking or on the top it was really good agains sweet but not to sweet. There cut for u! Thank u jesus! Just wish the top was crispy
Dessert was ok
Cornbread great but dry -
6/4/2015
1 check-inI give Q 5 stars for the food and service. Ball the runners were so attentive to us that anything I asked was brought to me.
Our server was in the twilight zone spaced out of his mind he forgot we got there. At the end he sure remember to bring the check.
This is the best in ribs I ever had. The alligator was my favorite dish from the menu.
The chile poblano corn bread was so amazing -
- Pamela B.
- New Bern, NC
- 17 friends
- 38 reviews
8/1/2015 Updated review
1 check-inWe second meal her in 48 hours! Daughter v, came to visit us for the weekend. When she.saw my posted pics from the first meal, she said she wanted try Chicago Q with us. I cancelled reservations with Catch 35 for dinner that, made reservations with q. Then we ran over to catch 35 for lunch.
I need to correct the chef's name.. It is Lee Ann Whippen.I have to say this was THE best barbecue I have ever eaten...including my own! Hubby totally agrees.… I have to say this was THE best barbecue I have ever eaten...including my own! Hubby totally agrees. From the chilled water, house made barbecue potato chips served with in-house bread and butter pickles to the Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with light cherry (hubby says raspberry) sauce served with vanilla ice cream - what an eating experience! You are probably thinking 'She means dining experience' but no, it was an eating experience! When I lost myself, put down the eating utensils & started eating with my fingers, well what can I say?! The Alabama/North Carolina redneck gal sprang forth, right out of my body(!) & enjoyed the hands down best meal I have ever eaten! (Now I understand where the 'hands down' saying comes from... Momma: "What are you doing, young lady' you put those hands down & pick up that fork!!" See?!?!?)7/30/2015 Previous review
Mint Julep..... If made correctly, is the best Southern drink....next to the perfect sweet ice tea, of course . I make great sweet ice tea. (my late momma, the Southern & original Martha Stewart, always told me I made the best. And my daughter-in-law agrees!) And my Mint Juleps are to die for. If I say it was the best Mint Julep I've been served, then it is simply the best! It was served in a silver mint julep cup (think Kentucky Derby), over shaved ice. That says it all!
For starters, the bacon cheddar hush puppies are wonderful. Just the right amount of cornmeal, fried throughly but they are not greasy. They are pipin'hot so remember that before breaking through the perfectly fried crust and burning your tongue! Consider yourself warned!
Watermelon salad? YES! There was just enough feta cheese bits, as not to overwhelm the natural sweetness of the watermelon. There was a 'sauce' with just a hint of herb, maybe mint. The sauce was sparingly glazing the salad. Chilled and perfect for a Summer meal.
Corn dogs are a comfort food for me. I can't explain why. When upset, some people reach for liquor or drugs, ice cream or other sweets. Not me! Oh, no! I'll drive twenty minutes to the nearest Sonic to eat my blues away! What a waste of calories! Well, We ordered corn dogs made with pork belly!!!! Sinfully delicious! I can not accurately describe the taste to you! I could eat my weight in these pork belly corn dogs. Just try one!
You don't need a knife to cut any of the meat, including the brisket. It was roasted 14 hours until it was so tender you cut it with the side of your fork. Although 4 sauces were served with the platter, the meat did not need sauce. The perfect smokey-ness taste ran through each bite. (Is smokey-ness a word?. . .well, it is now, uh?!)
We split the platter of brisket, pulled pork & baby back ribs. We ate it all! Hubby usually has to finish my order. Not this time!! He is a very smart man. He instinctively knew he would lose some digits if he even tried to 'help' me finish!
The owner & chef was there last night. Our server told her about us. (Hubby & I were probably a little 'ballsey' stating we KNOW good barbecue being from AL/SC/NC!) she came to our table and introduced herself and asked how our meal was. I was slobbering all over myself to use the perfect words to describe the perfect meal. She understood! Her daddy lives in western NC which was a nice personal tidbit to share. She competes nationally at barbecue cook offs. I believe her name is Stephanie. I'm sorry I can't remember. When I get in that uforic state (misspelled & Apple spell check has no idea what I'm trying to express here! Bless their hearts!), I can not speak or listen with any degree of accuracy.
Dessert, anyone? 'Oh, hell yeah!' is the correct response! So many choices & all Southern! My brother's favorite cake is homemade Carrot Cake. I started to order that in his honor, but then I saw the Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing served with Vanilla bean Ice Cream..and I could NOT help myself! I love chocolate...period! I almost went into a chocolate-induced coma! Topped the evening off with the perfect cup of coffee! The perfect meal! Read more-
Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with a light cherry sauce drizzle paired with vanilla ice cream. OMG!Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with a light cherry sauce drizzle paired with vanilla ice cream. OMG! -
They kept chilled water on the table! Great idea! Perfect pairing!They kept chilled water on the table! Great idea! Perfect pairing! -
we ate the barbecue before I remembered to take pictures! It was a combo platter: sliced brisket, pulled pork & baby back ribs.we ate the barbecue before I remembered to take pictures! It was a combo platter: sliced brisket, pulled pork & baby back ribs. - See all photos from Pamela B. for Chicago Q
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7/15/2015 Updated review
I really enjoy this restaurant and on my recent visit I had the following:
Brisket
Fried Green Tomatoes
Hush Puppies
Corn Bread
Chocolate Mousse Pie
Everything was delicious! The brisket was meaty and flavorful, the tomatoes were savory, the hush puppies were just the right amount of rich sweetness and the corn bread was great in texture and flavor. The mousse pie was alright...I just found it to be way too sweet.
This is a fantastic spot with incredible atmosphere.Wow, such a great restaurant - I really enjoyed my dinner here.6/10/2014 Previous review
I splurged and had the Kobe Beef… Wow, such a great restaurant - I really enjoyed my dinner here.
I splurged and had the Kobe Beef Ribs, which were extremely tender and cooked very well. The accompanying sauces were fantastic...each one being great in their own way. The cornbread was amazing and the coleslaw was very good too. I chose a nice merlot to go with my meal and it made everything complete. The food was good and the atmosphere and ambiance were also great since it was nice to have such great, messy food in a chic urban environment.
I cannot wait to visit this spot again. Read more -
- Michael K.
- Centreville, VA
- 32 friends
- 175 reviews
- Elite ’15
5/7/2015
1 check-inKind of a mixed bag for me here. First time visit on a Tuesday night and found the place to be fairly busy but still lots of room upstairs. My cabbie hadn't heard of the place nor did the drivers of the other four in my party. Look for the white house on the block with a smallish lowercase q on the wall.
They had an impressive selection of local beers to choose from. We all picked our favs along with an appetizer of mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. The mac and cheese was fabulous and well done. The tomatoes didn't do it for me but then again they are not among my favorites.
I went with the brisket as did others in the group. As a side I picked cornbread while others went with fries. My brisket was good but nothing to write home about. They provided four sauces on the table to augment it. I found the spicy sauce to pair the best. The cornbread was a huge chunk and very good.
Our server was awesome and cracked jokes with us all night long. Not sure why I'm not raving about q as others are here. -
5/19/2015
1 check-inSo many reviews, what can I really add?
For what it's worth, my favorite of the three eggs Benedict was the smoked chicken on sweet corn muffin. My eggs were a little overcooked on all three Benedicts, though. My least favorite was probably the pulled pork on fried green tomato - although it was still good.
We got reservations as we were showing up at 12 on a Sunday, which you would think is slammed. There were plenty of open tables, though - the house, and thus restaurant, is huge. Wouldn't hurt to get rezzies but probably not needed. -
4/29/2015
1 check-inChicago Q is amazing!
A hidden gem! You would never know that this quaint, adorable white house in the middle of Chicago is actually the best barbecue around!
The service was fantastic. The place is a cross between being classy and casual. Our waiter was fantastic and other waiters/busboys always helped clear the table or fill our water cups. Great service when they all work as a team.
When you walk in you get the homey feel. One of the rooms is basically a dining room with just one big table for a part of 10 or so. Very cool!
As my meal I ordered the BBQ Flight appetizer ($15). It came with plenty of food for a dinner meal for myself. It included 3 small portions - pulled chicken, kobe brisket, and pulled pork as well as cornbread on the side but I substituted that for coleslaw.
Coleslaw - did not have too much mayonnaise. Definitely my type of coleslaw and it was a huge portion.
Kobe Brisket - this was cut in cubes for the appetizer and was very tender, but also very fatty.
Pulled Chicken - pretty dry since they bring you the sauces on the side. Once it had some BBQ sauce on it, it was much better.
Pulled pork - good not great. Also a little drier because the sauce is on the side and not soaking in the meat.
What blew me away was the RIBS. My boyfriend ordered the ribs and shared some with me. They were absolutely amazing. So tender. Didn't fall right off the bone, but perfect came off as you ate it. These weren't even their "competition-style" ribs. Those I will HAVE to try next time. So good!
If you love BBQ, come to Q!-
BBQ flight appetizer $15 (left: Kobe brisket, middle: pulled pork, right: pulled chicken, side: coleslaw)BBQ flight appetizer $15 (left: Kobe brisket, middle: pulled pork, right: pulled chicken, side: coleslaw) -
Complimentary sweet pickles and homemade barbecue chips (awesome!)Complimentary sweet pickles and homemade barbecue chips (awesome!)
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5/4/2015
*** D E L I C I O U S *** I came to Chicago Q for their Kentucky Derby viewing event. Instead of paying for the buffet and the 5 drinks for the Derby party upstairs, I stayed at the bar downstairs. LOVE it!! The service was great! They were extremely busy due to the event or maybe it's just because it's a beautiful warm Saturday everyone's out. There were 3 and sometimes more bartenders working constantly behind bar, but it didn't take them long to attend me and their other guests. They were attentive and efficient. Thumbs up for that.
I wish I had the appetite for BBQ ribs and their other signature BBQ combination menu items, but I knew the portion would be too big for my appetite so I only ordered two starters, BBQ Shrimp with Grits and Pork Cheek. They were DELICIOUS and flavorful!!! The BBQ pickle complimented the pork cheek lusciously. So did the BBQ shrimp and the grits.
I tried their Hazelnut Old Fashion cocktail requesting extra easy on the syrup, it was not too sweet, slightly bitter, just how I love it. Smelled really good as well.
The place was vibrant and the interior décor is lovely. Both the interior and the exterior have unique characteristics. I would definitely go back again and bring family and friends. Highly recommend. -
- Liliana P.
- Castro Valley, CA
- 165 friends
- 148 reviews
- Elite ’15
7/28/2015
Came here after a very late flight because it was close to the place we were staying at. After being seated, they quickly brought out the pickles and chips. I liked the pickles, they were crunchy and a little sweet. The chips were a little stale though. Started with the pork cheeks which were delicious, but the portion was a lot smaller than expected. This was more of an appetizer for one. Then we had the shrimp brochettes. It was satisfying, but not all that special, so you can skip this and try something else. The interior is very dark and service could have been a little bit more attentive. There wasn't many people in the restaurant but it still took awhile to get water refills.
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6/21/2015
A one-star ding because we were served the chocolate cake a la mode for dessert today and took one bite to realize this was cake that was at least two days old (or, maybe, a week). But to the management's credit, my complaint allowed for that to be taken off the bill...otherwise, this was a mostly solid experience.
We came by for a Fathers' Day brunch this morning and tried a few different items--the sweet potato hash and eggs, the sweet potato and carrot cake pancakes, the biscuits and gravy with eggs, and the chips that are served before your meal comes out. Save for some of the chips also being a bit stale, the main brunch items were excellent. I also went with the small batch whiskey flight ($18), with three very heavy pours of selections that were by-and-large a winner. Love the feel of the interior space; tables are tightly packed but not so packed that I felt like we were sitting with our next-door neighbors (but if possible, request a booth). Service was speedy and responsive, including that moment with the dessert.
We dropped about $150 for our four-person party, where all of us had drinks. Obviously, an expensive brunch so just know what you are getting into upon arrival (as in, if you don't realize that this is basically the Gold Coast, get your BBQ elsewhere!). Glad to have this in my back pocket when I want quality BBQ with friends who live in this part of town. -
- Rebecca C.
- Naperville, IL
- 1142 friends
- 142 reviews
- Elite ’15
3/11/2015
1 check-in:( Heartbroken...
I had been wanting to come here for years. I just kept forgetting about it with all the other restaurants that I wanted to try. I love hole in the wall BBQ places, because you tend to get the real "BBQ's" there. I had been told by many many people that this place was amazing.
Let me tell you something... I drove by this place about 15 times before I called and asked where it was. This I drove by in about 10 more times till I found parking. No Valet? I couldn't find them. UGH!!! This is not a well lit place, so if you don't live in the city, then you will probably need to CALL.
Okay, I got inside and I was super excited. The decor was nice and it was just a beautiful house. I think it is an old house?? Not sure. We were seated.. blah blah blah. Our waiter was awesome! That is mainly why there are stars, otherwise, nothing... They brought the pickles and the chips..ugh. Okay, then I tried a hush puppy.. OMG it was so dry..ugh. Then I order a pulled pork sandwich.. Now...Can you really go wrong with pulled pork?? Yes, apparently. The sauces that they provided were horrible! I was very disappointed in the North Carolina sauce. I know North Carolina sauce, and it was nothing like that. *SAD FACE* I was so bummed. The only thing that was good on the plate was the Cole Slaw... at least I could eat that. If it wasn't for our waiter and the cole slaw, I would have to give zero stars. I think my expectations were too high. :( -
- Anthony A.
- San Jose, CA
- 11 friends
- 87 reviews
7/26/2015
I may be a customer service freak, it makes me feel good spending my money when I get great service. Walking into Chicago Q started out a little shaky. We used our regular Open Table app and made a reservation. The wife and I walked in and tow young ladies working the hostess stand were very polite until a man walked up and both completely diverted their attention from us to him. I reminded her to finished with our conversation prior to helping the next customer. We were seated and the secondary hostess apologized for her co-host behavior. The rest of the service at the restaurant was outstanding.
The pickles and chips were brought out immediately. We ordered the chicken wings as an appetizer, they were smokey and put together very well. The ribs ordered for dinner were smokey and cooked within minutes of being over cooked. The slab was meaty and not a lot of fat. Just a tag bit on the dry side but still tasty overall. I anticipated the coleslaw, and believe it or not KFC still has the best coleslaw. This wasn't chopped us as fine as KFC but had a similar flavor.
Seeing that I travel the world for barbeques it's hard to impress me with ribs. The menu has two offering and I suggest you try the competition ribs. The price point is almost double however the waiter explained the process for preparing the ribs is more detailed, the meat is hand picked and cooked slightly different. Traditional ribs are almost half the price than competition but hopefully the competition is better. Yes, they're offering two levels of food, they're not offering you their best and not afraid to tell you. If you want the best product pay additional for it.
In summary Chicago Q is a nice yuppie barbeque house, you can get the same quality traditional style ribs at Smokey Bones. If you want the high end ambiance Chicago Q is your spot. -
- Melissa V.
- Aurora, IL
- 0 friends
- 2 reviews
7/21/2015
So.freakin.good. Fried green tomatoes? Eew, right? Wrong! You must try them! Along with just about everything else on the menu!
BBQ chips can be hit or miss, but these were delish. The cornbread was a slice of sweet southern comfort.
Also, great service! I really love that.
There are so many amazing restaurants in Chicago, but make sure this is at the top of your list! -
- Jessica B.
- Chicago, IL
- 19 friends
- 3 reviews
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- Sara P.
- Boston, MA
- 8 friends
- 17 reviews
7/21/2015
Q was delicious! A great spot for BBQ. They start you off with complimentary bbq chips, which I proceeded to eat 3 bowls of. Very addicting. I had their St Louis style ribs, and could not get enough of them. I ate them with a fork because the meat literally fell off the bone. I also ate the Mac and cheese, not my favorite but still hard to go wrong. I'd like to go back and try a few other options....
BBQ chips 4.5 stars
Ribs 5 stars
Mac and cheese 3.5 stars -
- Scott V.
- Urbana, IL
- 3 friends
- 5 reviews
7/5/2015
1 check-inIf it's edible, pour barbecue and commence consumption. Quality, service, and character. Don't forget the incredible
Taste. 2 thumbs up. -
6/1/2015 Updated review
1 check-inListed in Favorite Chicago Stops.After a few visits...I realized that I was never quite as impressed as I was since my first visit. Sad. I still think this place is decent but the meat is a hit or miss...sometimes it's dry. And the staff can be pretty forgetful as well.
I reallllly like this bbq spot =) The free appetizers are much more impressive than a loaf of bread.… I reallllly like this bbq spot =) The free appetizers are much more impressive than a loaf of bread. They offer their home made BBQ kettle chips and pickled onions and pickles dish. I order the pulled pork sandwich with cornbread and the serving portions are outrageous! I recommend ordering different sides among friends and sharing. My friend ordered the appetizer sampler which I would recommend ordering for a little taste of everything. The mac-n-cheese is decent but nothing special. The coleslaw is decent but it shares the same verdict. I recommend this spot based on the venue (very clean, many seating options ((Outside by a heater, inside at a bar table, or in the back at a table/booth)) friendly staff, low key clientele and convenient reservation bookings via yelp) I also recommend pulled pork or beef brisket over the chicken...which was slightly dry. Enjoy =) Read more11/12/2012 Previous review
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- Jemimah K.
- Chicago, IL
- 15 friends
- 8 reviews
6/17/2015
1 check-inStopped into Chicago Q after walking around Wells Street Art Festival and it satisfied my craving for barbecue. We sat out in the patio despite the scorching sun because heck, it's summer and we have to make the most out of patio season.
I've only been here once, but I think I can confidently say that this is now one of my favorite BBQ places in Chicago. The complimentary barbecue chips and pickles? Thank you! Although the chips did seem a bit stale, that didn't stop me from eating them.
Of course I got the pulled pork sandwich, and it was served with 4 BBQ sauces. I tend to always reach for the spicy one because I think it enhances the flavor the most if that makes any sense- but they were all equally tasty. I also got watermelon feta salad on the side, and even if it probably made me full faster, it was nice having something sweet and fresh with the meal. Add to this the unique building, the location (I couldn't help but constantly look around), really good service, and OK prices, I'll come back when I'm back in the area! -
- Nayiri V.
- Sunland, CA
- 10 friends
- 60 reviews
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- Rebecca S.
- Chicago, IL
- 15 friends
- 19 reviews
7/9/2015
I love BBQ, and Chicago Q has won a spot in my heart for having some great BBQ choices.
Their are many choices for appetizers, we stuck with the fried green tomatoes, delicious! Then for our entrée we had a half smoked chicken and the Kobe sliced brisket. I am a Jewish gal and brisket I take seriously since my grandmother and mother always made brisket and there were never any leftovers. Their brisket though is so juicy and sinks into your pallet that. They smoke it the right way that gives it the great flavor you taste. The chicken was great as well but the Brisket really left a mark on me to come back to this place.
The service is wonderful and the venue on the inside gave the feel of a relaxed country home, which made it a great environment to eat with our family.
Highly recommend this place! -
- Tim E.
- Round Lake, IL
- 14 friends
- 74 reviews
8/11/2015
Let me first start out with a confession. I am a BBQ junkie and most likely a BBQ snob. They say admission is the first step to recovery so there you have it! Lee Ann Whippen, partner and chef at Chicago Q, is a frequent contestant in competition BBQ events and also appears often on TV in competitions as well. That was one of my guiding lights to try their BBQ. The restaurant is just beautiful.It is located in the trendy Division / Clark neighborhood and is in a quint old home that is restored beautifully. It's only a block or two from the Red Line station. The interior is definitely high end stuff with a lot of modern traits that really do not in anyway scream BBQ here but really very nice just the same. Our table was ready on arrival and the service was excellent So what you ask is with only three stars? Unfortunately ...it was the BBQ. We began with brisket meatballs that were VERY good. Interesting twist on a BBQ classic protein. So...I am here to rate the BBQ and ribs are a must. They offer two types and styles. St Louis and baby backs can be prepared "standard" and "competition" style. I went for the ST Louis competition and my wife chose the regular ST Louis. style. Four side sauces are served (appreciate it when they side serve...i had hope of really good Q then ) and the varieties worked from vinegar based, a mustard style, spicy and a more traditional type. Ribs are served sliced (thank you) so ease of eating without public ridicule was possible. But... My ribs were not "great" as a matter of fact many backyard BBQ afternoons feature better. Ribs lacked flavor and REALLY suffered from a lack of smoke flavor.. I looked for the red badge of BBQ, the smoke ring, and very faintly, if i looked close enough it might have been there..ehhh maybe not. So undaunted my wife and i swapped ribs. One supposed regular and one competition. Neither of us (and my BBQ pallet is pretty refined) could tell the difference. We paid 2.50 extra to sub the Mac N' Cheese side dish but it was dry and pretty flavorless. . I was heartbroken. After sitting awhile nursing a glass of wine, lamenting my restaurant choice, I looked around the dining room to see who was there. It was busy. Then I realized what went wrong. This was not a BBQ crowd, it was a dine out crowd. I'll l assume they "gentrify" the BBQ to appeal to the masses rather BBQ aficionados. I get that. Most of us won't dress up and pay a premium for well served BBQ so they have to hold down the real flavors to appeal to their clientele. Well ,.... That is what i surmised at least. i certainly hope it wasn't just bad BBQ ...please Lee Ann ...tell me it ain't so!
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4/27/2015
1 check-inThis is one of my favorite brunch places in Chicago! Make sure to make a reservation in advance if you want to come here. It's very simple to make a reservation and earn points on Open Table. Once you're seated, you are served a bowl of homemade pickles and bbq chips. The bbq chips are super addicting.
You MUST order the signature carrot cake pancakes and the smoked chicken eggs benedict. The signature carrot cake pancake melts in your mouth. Not only is it super light and fluffy, it's absolutely delicious. The best part of the smoked chicken eggs benedict is that it's served on a piece of homemade cornbread.
The Mimosa Special is a great deal for a group of people. It serves up to 6 guests for only $25. however, the bloody mary bar sounds wonderful too.
One of the best things about this restaurant is that you get to try all of their bbq sauces with any bbq order. If you're really in love with a particular sauce, you can buy a bottle on your way out.
TIP: Don't get the brisket! It's dry and bland. This is NOT the best bbq place in Chicago. Stick with my suggestions above. -
- Jing M.
- Chicago, IL
- 92 friends
- 20 reviews
5/11/2015
1 check-inWent there around 2:30 pm, so it's quite empty there. The waiters are attentive except that they forgot to place our order so we waited a long time....
Food tastes yummy. The pulled pork is soft while the ribs are solid but easy to chew. Moreover, the complimentary chips and pickles are unique and tasty as well!-
Lunch combo: pulled pork and back (?) ribs with corned bread and buttermilk meshed ptatoesLunch combo: pulled pork and back (?) ribs with corned bread and buttermilk meshed ptatoes
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- Zac W.
- London, United Kingdom
- 3 friends
- 24 reviews
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- Sruts A.
- Chicago, IL
- 9 friends
- 148 reviews
6/13/2015
4 check-insChicago Q has become one of my favorite restaurants in the city!
I've been here for brunch and dinner several times and have always left a satisfied diner.
Brisket and cornbread have always featured in my orders whatever meal I've been there for. The meat is delicious, tender and succulent and pair so fantastically with the barbecue sauces they are served with. The cornbread... ah! You can see and taste real corn kernels! Try not to fill up on the chips and relish served in lieu of bread, because the meal you are about to have requires great attention and your palette will thank you for it. Sweet potato pancakes and the watermelon feta salad a perfect add ons to brunch.
They even have a great selection of desserts - espresso brittle ice cream and chocolate cake are my favorites. Their drinks menu caters to all tastes and ages.
The staff is great, very polite and attentive! Love this place! -
- Phil T.
- Dallas, TX
- 95 friends
- 27 reviews
7/4/2015
Had a chance to check out Chicago q while in town for work and based on Ray Lampe's recommendation (bit.ly/1Rzu6Cw) for First We Feast I was excited. Boy was Lampe wrong. The food was hammered, had zero smoke flavor or flavor of any other kind for that matter. The wagyu ribs had no meat on them at all. The wagyu brisket was grainy, no moisture (how can you screw up a wagyu brisket?!) and I shutter to think what competition the "competition" St Louis ribs won. Maybe best ribs served in a college dorm mess hall?
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- Joey J.
- Las Vegas, NV
- 0 friends
- 1 review
7/25/2015
This place checks all the boxes. Having recently relocated to Chicago from the South, I was starving for some legit 'que. I had the q2 which included pulled pork shoulder and a half slab of baby back ribs. Rib meat was exceptionally tender and tasty. The pulled pork was a perfect balance of inner and outer meat. You get 4 amazing sauces to sample on your meat. I chose the cole slaw side and was happy with my choice. The slaw was a huge helping and was just creamy and sweet enough to complement the BBQ. I could have made a meal of the homemade BBQ chips and sweet pickles brought to me when I was seated. Topping it off was highly attentive and friendly servers that made for an awesome dinner experience. I cannot wait to return and sample more of the menu and, just maybe, leave some room for dessert.
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- Jamie W.
- Philadelphia, PA
- 17 friends
- 3 reviews
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11/8/2014
1 check-inThis place is known for BBQ. As soon as you see the place you are filled with doubt since it is fancy. Whose ever see a fancy BBQ place? Not I.
However, the food was still good. We went for brunch. We enjoyed the hush puppies to start. I guess they were good. I don't really understand a hush puppy. We shared the Benedict flight and Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese is superb. Their Benedict flight was good but nothing spectacular. It was three Benedicts: one with smoke chicken, pulled pork and brisket. I will say this, they do a great job smoking their meat. The chicken and brisket was dry though. I can't imagine eating it on it's own. Their pulled pork was good though. Moist and smoky- best pulled pork I've eaten.
To start, they bring out homemade chips sprinkled with the dry run they use on their BBQ and homemade sweet pickles.-
Homemade chips and sweet pickles. They bring it out to every table.Homemade chips and sweet pickles. They bring it out to every table. - See all photos from Sarah V. for Chicago Q
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- Michael V.
- Chicago, IL
- 1 friend
- 76 reviews
5/31/2015
This would be a 4.5 star rating if Yelp allowed for such things...
Went to Chicago q for Sunday brunch with 3 friends at noon. You would think it'd be crazy busy but there were empty tables all over the place! You can make a reservation for brunch, which is quite rare in the city, if that makes you feel more comfortable. The building itself is really cool and quite different from most Chicago restaurants, very spacious. Our server was very nice, checked in on us several times throughout our meal and the busboys were on point with water refills and clearing dishes.
I ordered the benedict flight which was really good! Great way to try all 3 benedicts and get some brisket, pork and chicken. I liked the chicken and pork ones the best. I also tried my friends carrot cake pancakes which were quite good as well. The glaze they put on them in particular is delicious. They also bring you chips and pickles right when you get seated which is a nice touch!
The only thing holding me back from a full 5 star rating is price. Compared to a lot of brunch places it's pretty expensive, which is somewhat understandable given the dishes that come with pork, brisket, etc... You do get a lot of food with the benedicts, which is nice. Since this place is in Gold Coast, most of the locals probably don't care about price anyway.
Overall, great brunch place! No doubt about it. Would love to come back for dinner some time too! -
9/6/2014 Updated review
1 check-inI should have been updated this review because I have been several times since my first visit. On my visit yesterday I can for there 4 meals for $4 a piece for there 4 year anniversary.
I absolutely loved the lobster tacos! So much flavor and the alligator portion on the taco was decent. I also enjoyed the corn squash fritters. Crispy on the outside and mushy goodness on the inside.
I mistakenly ordered the bourbon drink with cookies for dessert and I was disappointed with the dry tasteless cookies. Bourbon shake was on point though. I will be back! :)Thought restaurant week would be the perfect time to start yelping! I went here with two other… Thought restaurant week would be the perfect time to start yelping! I went here with two other girlfriends and two of us chose from the restaurant week menu and my other friend chose off the regular menu. I really enjoyed the House Bacon Cheddar Hush Puppies and the pickles they give you when you sit down were delicious, but my entree was just okay. I ordered the sliced Kobe Brisket with a side of fries and it wasn't anything special. Nor were the assorted cookies.2/1/2013 Previous review
The server did a good job, but messed up the bill at the end, which was a small incident. Overall the atmosphere was okay. I'm more into swanky places, but this would be a nice place to go on a chill night. Overall I think it was just okay and i'm glad I had a chance to try it. Too many other restaurants in Chicago to try, so probably won't be back here anytime soon. Read more -
2/25/2015
1 check-inReally enjoyed the pickles and BBQ chips as complementary offerings at the table. Very nice touch. They have a very strong drink menu and a huge whiskey/bourbon list which I can't really comment on because that's not my thing at all. But it seemed quite impressive.
The BBQ is where you will find me. I had the pulled pork sandwich. Pork was nice and juicy. Sandwich was a little messy. Not sure I was on board with the pretzel bun for the sandwich though. I would change that. The side of cornbread was really good too and they give you a nice chunk.
As with most BBQ places this is a little pricey but I enjoyed it quite a lot and given the urge striking me for BBQ when I find myself on the north side, would definitely think of this place. -
- Michael M.
- Euless, TX
- 0 friends
- 14 reviews
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3/4/2015 Updated review
I really like the atmosphere and the food is pretty good, but feel like they need to work on their beer and wine list. Their whiskey/scotch/bourbon list is great though. Also, the service was just meh.
My favorite part is that they give you pickles and chips when you sit down. That's a really nice touch. :)I really like the atmosphere and the food is pretty good, but feel like they need to work on their… I really like the atmosphere and the food is pretty good, but feel like they need to work on their beer and wine list. Their whiskey/scotch/bourbon list is great though. My favorite part is that they give you pickles and chips when you sit down. That's a really nice touch. :) Our server was just ok too. Read more1/15/2015 Previous review
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- Kimberly C.
- Louisville, KY
- 45 friends
- 18 reviews
5/12/2015
1 check-inEverything on the menu is delicious. The baby back ribs fall off the bone they're so tender. The sides are delicious. Come with a group so you can try more things! Family style is where its at.
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Absolutely amazing everything. We had a party of 10 so we ordered one of everything- it was all wonderful.Absolutely amazing everything. We had a party of 10 so we ordered one of everything- it was all wonderful.
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- Laura F.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 10 reviews
6/28/2015
tl;dr: The 2-star review feels ungenerous, but "meh, I've experienced better" truly hits the nail on the head. The seasoning just wasn't there.
Disclaimer: I grew up regularly eating 'que and my boyfriend is from Kansas City. That might help you frame our expectations for barbecue.
I'll start with the food.
What they did right:
You could definitely tell right away that the base material was quality. These were the right cuts of meat and cooked to the correct consistency. We ordered brisket and it came to table fork-tender. We also ordered pulled pork and it wasn't soggy or swimming in a sea of grease. But there was a big-ol' piece of delicious fat still attached to some pieces, letting you know that extra flavor was right there. Also, big pieces of burnt ends in the mac and cheese, should you choose that option.
What they did wrong:
The seasoning. On everything. From the starter bowls of homemade bbq-seasoned potato chips and pickles, respectively, to the watermelon-feta salad and the mac and cheese. It's as if they didn't want to offend with too much spice so they erred on the side of NOTHING AT ALL. It was bland, and it made me very sad because I wanted to like this place.
They offered 4 different sauces to choose from for the barbecue including: a vinegar-based sauce, a carolina mustard sauce (my favorite), spicy bbq, and sweet bbq. The sauces were decent. I ended up mixing the mustard and spicy to end up with a passable flavor experience for my pulled pork.
Now for the service:
What they did right:
Maybe it was a busy Saturday night, but the manager, attired with blazer over his plaid shirt, poured our water and checked on us during our meal. One stellar server--not ours--came by and actually interacted with us and helped out even though we hadn't asked her to. She really sensed our need.
What they did wrong:
Honestly, our server wasn't too great. He never checked on us during the meal or interacted much. We felt like we were waiting awhile for him to come out at the key points, i.e. to take orders, clear table, and bring the check.
You get better bbq bang for your buck at a cheaper joint, and the Q will taste better. This is definitely not worth the hype.
Hours
| Mon | 11:00 am - 10:30 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 am - 10:30 pm | |
| Wed | 11:00 am - 10:30 pm | |
| Thu | 11:00 am - 10:30 pm | Open now |
| Fri | 11:00 am - 12:00 am | |
| Sat | 10:00 am - 12:00 am | |
| Sun | 10:00 am - 10:30 pm |
Menu
More business info
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- Takes Reservations
- Yes
- Delivery
- No
- Take-out
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Yes
- Good For
- Dinner
- Parking
- Valet, Street
- Bike Parking
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Yes
- Good for Kids
- Yes
- Good for Groups
- Yes
- Attire
- Casual
- Ambience
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Average
- Alcohol
- Full Bar
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Wi-Fi
- Free
- Has TV
- Yes
- Waiter Service
- Yes
- Caters
- Yes
From the business
Chicago q is not your ordinary barbecue joint. Since opening in 2010, Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippen has created a barbecue experience like none other by using the highest quality meats …
Learn more about Chicago Q , Opens a popupSpecialties
Chicago q is not your ordinary barbecue joint. Since opening in 2010, Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippen has created a barbecue experience like none other by using the highest quality meats seasoned with house-made rubs while served in a Savannah-style dining room, imbued with Southern charm and comfort.
The restaurant serves Whippen's award-winning competition fare alongside regional favorites from the Carolinas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee, which pair perfectly with the best selection of rare and exclusive bourbons in Chicago. Whether in the neighborhood or traveling to the city, a group of two or one of 50, Chicago q is the ideal space for any gathering or occasion.
Meet the Business Owner
Lee Ann Whippen is a naturally recognized BBQ Pitmaster and Chef/Partner of Chicago q, an upscale urban BBQ restaurant, known for serving her award winning "Competition Ribs" and other barbecue favorites.
Lee Ann Whippen is no stranger when it comes to barbecue and touts a myriad of awards and accolades. She has been competing in BBQ contests for over 18 years, holding titles of 1st place Potato Salad and 2nd place in BBQ at The World Food Championships in Las Vegas, and 1st place National Award at The American Royal.
Lee Ann has appeared numerous times on TV, radio and in print stories. She is a contributor in "The New American Cooking" cookbook and has served BBQ multiple times to the Senators and Congressman in the Capitol. Lee Ann is most widely known for TLC's "BBQ Pitmasters" series and Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," where she beat Flay with her mouth-watering pulled pork shoulder.
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